Glass Eye

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The Art & Architecture Thesaurus (AAT) (r) is a structured vocabulary for generic concepts related to art and architecture. It was developed by The Getty Research Institute to help research institutions become consistent in the terminology they use.Learn More

After hearing complaints about the fragility of artificial glass eyes made in Paris, Leopold started making them for people and for taxidermied animals. Though he never anticipated glass eyes becoming a large part of his business, their high quality and realistic appearance brought in many customers, compelling Leopold to continue their production until at least 1887. This box remained in the Blaschkas’ studio until it was acquired by the Museum from their descendants in 1993.